On a daily basis I am reminded of the positive influence my dog has in my life. In this newsletter I share a number of ways that dogs, and pets generally, can positively impact our wellbeing.

Pets are an important part of many people’s lives. According to Companion Animals New Zealand, an estimated 64% of households in Aotearoa/New Zealand own a pet. This ranks us as second only to the USA, where an estimated 67% of households own a pet. Pets clearly play a powerful role in the lives of many of us and we can learn a great deal from them. Even if you do not have your own pet, interacting with other people’s pets can also have positive benefits.

Laurie Santos, Professor of Psychology at Yale University, believes that you can get a lot of happiness from being around a dog but also that you can get a lot of that happiness by just asking yourself, “What would a dog do right now?” Below are a number of ways dogs can help us - both when we are around them but also when we think more like them. (Disclaimer: I am a dog lover but I strongly believe that the points below can apply to all pets!)

Dogs help us to:

• To be mindful and present:

  • Dogs are amazing role models for living in the here and now, using all of their senses to take notice and appreciate the little things in each moment.

  • When we pat, or hug a dog, the sensation and sensory experience is often calming and soothing, helping us to be more mindful and present. It is a common experience to feel less stressed when you are with a pet.

• To be active: there is nothing like an excited dog waiting to be walked to motivate us to get up and out of the house!

• To pause and rest: dogs are very good at stopping and resting when they need to. Again, they are great role models at attending to their present needs.

• Feel better and happier:

  • Dogs are excellent listeners and they do not judge you. They do not care what you wear, what car you drive, how many friends you have - they just care that you are there.

  • Dogs are selfless: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself” (Josh Billings: 19th Century American humorist and writer).

  • Dogs are often used as therapy dogs or as companions in hospitals.

• To develop a sense of purpose: by looking after and caring for them.

• To connect with others: dogs are excellent conversation starters and people often find it easy to talk about their pets.

I truly believe that I am a better person through having a dog, yet pets are a serious commitment so please do not rush out and buy a puppy after reading this (unless you have talked it through thoroughly!) My simple challenge is to more often ask your child, and yourself, “How could our pet help you right now?” and “What would a dog (or other pet) do right now?”

Some of this material was sourced from this podcast: Let Slip the Dogs of More Happiness

Image sourced from: Pinterest

Jenelle Hooson

Jenelle is a Registered Provisional Member with NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors).

If you wish to discuss the services the School Counsellor can provide, please see your son’s homeroom teacher or Scott Johnson: scott.johnson@medbury.school.nz.